Merz says Israeli actions in Gaza 'no longer justified' – DW – 05/26/2025
05/26/2025
May 26, 2025 German Chancellor Merz says 'no longer understands' Israel's goal in Gaza
Merz said he will speak with the Israeli prime minister sometime this week Image: Michael Kappeler/dpa/picture alliance
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Monday that Israel's "current level of attacks on Gaza can no longer be justified by the fight against Hamas."
"Harming the civilian population to such an extent, as has increasingly been the case in recent days, can no longer be justified as a fight against Hamas terrorism," he told German public broadcaster WDR in a televised interview.
He added he planned to hold a call with Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu this week to tell him "to not overdo it," though for "historical reasons," Germany would always be more guarded in its criticism than some European partners.
"But if lines are crossed, where international humanitarian law is really being violated, then Germany, the German chancellor, must also say something about it," Merz said.
Merz's comments came before hetravels to Finland later today. His comments followed an Israeli strike on a shelter in northern Gaza strip early Monday morning that killed dozens of people.
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